Trail Fast Facts
Litchfield Lower Cascades is a 2.6km, grade 4 hike in Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory. This hike typically takes 1.5 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
Litchfield National Park's Cascades offer a refreshing escape amidst cascading waterfalls and inviting rock pools. Choose your adventure – a tranquil retreat at the Lower Cascades or a more challenging hike at the Upper Cascades.
Lower Cascades: Ideal for a relaxing dip, the Lower Cascades feature a shady 2.6km return walking track leading directly to Cascades Creek. These shallower pools are known for their secluded atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a swim with just a few others. Public toilets and picnic tables are conveniently located near the carpark, although camping is not permitted. However, be aware that the Lower Cascades walking track closes during the wet season due to potential flooding and increased crocodile activity.
Upper Cascades: The Upper Cascades offer a more challenging 3.3km loop hike (or 3.6km return during the wet season), traversing rugged bushland and ascending the Tabletop Plateau. This grade 4 trail rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Remember to pack plenty of water, wear sun-protective clothing, and bring appropriate footwear for the uneven and sometimes steep terrain.
Regardless of which section you choose to explore, a parks pass is required for all visitors to Litchfield National Park.
Track Grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 75 m
Min elevation: 45 m
Total climbing: 56 m
Total descent: -56 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Getting there
Accessing the Lower Cascades trailhead requires travelling by car to Litchfield National Park, roughly 100 kilometres south of Darwin. Take the Stuart Highway south until you see the turnoff for Batchelor Road. Follow the well-marked signs for Litchfield National Park through Batchelor and Rum Jungle. Continue on until you see signage for Wangi Falls. Instead of turning off for Wangi Falls, keep following the sealed road for a further 23 kilometres. You'll then see signs for Cascades, directing you to the carpark and trailhead for the Lower Cascades walk.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
Litchfield National Park: A Natural Wonder of the Northern Territory. Litchfield National Park, encompassing roughly 1,500 square kilometres, is a jewel of the Northern Territory. This ancient landscape, shaped by water over millennia, boasts a captivating array of natural wonders. Cascading waterfalls tumble from the sandstone plateau of the Tabletop Range, forming crystal-clear pools ideal for swimming.
The park is significant to the Koongurrukun, Mak Mak Marranunggu, Werat, and Warray Aboriginal people, with their ancestral stories woven into the very fabric of the landscape. Visitors can explore shady monsoon forest walking trails, marvel at the unique magnetic termite mounds, or be awestruck by the weathered sandstone pillars of the Lost City.
A Haven for Adventure
Litchfield National Park offers endless opportunities for exploration. Whether you seek refreshment beneath cascading waterfalls, marvel at fascinating termite mounds, discover hidden waterholes, or challenge yourself on hiking trails, this park caters to all interests. Camping is the primary accommodation option within the park boundaries, but various lodges and resorts are located nearby for those seeking different comforts. Even a well-planned day trip can allow visitors to experience the park's highlights.
History and Accessibility
The park's name honours Frederick Henry Litchfield, a member of the Finniss Expedition, the first European encounter with this region. Extensive mining for tin and copper dominated the area from the late 1800s until the mid-20th century. Declared a national park in 1986, Litchfield has become a haven for nature lovers.
While a sealed road connects the park's major attractions, a four-wheel drive vehicle is necessary to access The Lost City, Homestead, Central Valley, and the Reynolds River Track. During the dry season, this track allows experienced drivers to reach the Daly River Road. Renting a vehicle? Confirm if it's permitted on unsealed roads.
Accessibility is twofold. The park can be reached via the southern entrance near Batchelor or the northern entrance along Peninsula Way, forming the Litchfield Loop. This loop integrates the park with the Cox Peninsula, creating a more extensive sightseeing experience.
A Local Favourite
Litchfield National Park's pristine swimming holes and scenic walking tracks make it a cherished destination for Darwin residents. Basic amenities like meals and refreshments are available near Wangi Falls, while various accommodation options cater to different budgets and preferences, including campsites, cabins, and caravan parks within or near the park, and lodging options in the nearby township of Batchelor.
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Suggest an edit
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
Weather
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.